The organisation’s position or later explanation: The organisation states that the verb is broad in meaning — “(fall down and) worship, do obeisance to, prostrate oneself before, do reverence to, welcome respectfully” — and that context decides; it adds that “Many Bible translators use the term ‘worship’ here (Heb 1:6), giving the impression that Jesus is God. However, the Bible shows elsewhere that Jesus is not Almighty God”.
19 September 2026 · Bible Hub (reproducing the named copyright translations)
“New International Version, English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, King James Bible, New Revised Standard Version and New American Bible all read “worship him”. Young’s Literal Translation reads: “And let them bow before him -- all messengers of God;” Douay-Rheims reads “adore him”.”
The great majority of English versions read 'worship' here, but Young's Literal Translation renders the same verb 'bow before', showing that a non-cultic rendering is not unique to the NWT.
Provenance and verification note for Bible Hub parallel translations, Hebrews 1:6 in the parallel English versions
Confidence note. Page opened and every rendering read on 19 September 2026 on Bible Hub's reproduction.
Notes. This quote field compiles renderings quoted separately from one Bible Hub parallel page; it is not a continuous passage. Each rendering was checked word for word against the page, which carries over forty versions.
Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID.src-nwtv-bh-heb-1-6
2013 · study note, Hebrews 1:6 · Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
“The Greek verb rendered “do obeisance to” (pro·sky·neʹo) … is broad in meaning. One lexicon gives the following possible meanings: “(fall down and) worship, do obeisance to, prostrate oneself before, do reverence to, welcome respectfully.” The context is essential in determining which is the correct rendering in this case. … Many Bible translators use the term “worship” here (Heb 1:6), giving the impression that Jesus is God. However, the Bible shows elsewhere that Jesus is not Almighty God.”
The organisation's stated reason for choosing 'do obeisance' at this verse: the lexical range permits either, and the doctrinal conclusion that Jesus is not Almighty God decides which is used.
Provenance and verification note for New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition), Study note on Hebrews 1:6, 'do obeisance to him'
Confidence note. Study note read in full on the nwtsty Hebrews chapter 1 page on wol.jw.org, 19 September 2026. Independent audit, 19 September 2026: the quotation had silently expanded the Watchtower Online Library's own Bible-book abbreviations (and, at Hebrews 1:6, dropped a parenthetical cross-reference). Restored to the wording on the page.
Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID.src-nwtv-nwtsty-note-heb-1-6
A direct link to this claim is https://jwtruth.org/evidence/claim-bible-heb-1-6-obeisance/. Every source above opens the original document or the best available copy. If you believe the wording, date or context is wrong, report an error.